The Christmas Party (Photo Story)

A few days before Christmas, Larissa has her kids and grandkids over for the Scott family’s annual Christmas gathering. Tony figured this was the perfect opportunity for Lea and Kayla to meet everyone.

So, how are your plans for the big day coming along? (Amber)

Great, actually. I hired a wedding planner, and she’s fabulous. Most of the big decisions have been made, like the venues, florist, DJ, and caterer… and of course my dress. All that’s left to do is choose the cake and hire a photographer. (Brandy)

Is my mother planning the honeymoon? (Amber)

Yes, and she surprised us by offering to pay for it, too. It’s our wedding present. We’re meeting with her next month to choose from a list of South American destinations, which I understand is her specialty. (Brandy)

It’s true. She’ll book trips for clients anywhere they wish to go, but she’s an expert on trips to South America, having spent so much time there growing up. (Amber)

Your grandmother was from Brazil, right? (Brandy)

Mmm hmm and Mom’s taken dozens of trips there. She’s  also been to Chile and Argentina. (Amber)

Tony looks at a text on his phone and then goes over to Brandy.

Lea just sent me a text. She and Kayla are outside. I’ll be right back. Would you grab the gifts from the other room? (Tony)

Sure. (Brandy)

Hey, look who’s here everybody! (Tony)

Kayla! (Makenna, running over to her little cousin)

Babe, come say hello. (Tony, to Brandy)

Brandy walks over with her arms full of presents.

Lea, this is my fiancée, Brandy. (Tony)

Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you. (Lea)

Same here. (Brandy)

Honey, what would you like me to do with these? (Brandy)

I’ll take them. Alright, I’ve got gifts for all my princesses, so gather ‘round! (Tony)

Matt and Amber enter from the other room with Macee. Tony hands gifts to his nieces and gives Kayla a teddy bear.

Hi, I’m Amber, Tony’s sister. This is my husband, Matthew. You must be Lea? (Amber)

I am. It’s nice to meet you both. (Lea)

It’s a pleasure. (Matt)

Tony picks up Kayla and then turns his attention back to Lea and the others.

I’m gonna take them to the kitchen to meet Mom. (Tony)

Tony carries Kayla into the dining room where Larissa is adding more goodies to the table.

Mom, look who’s here. (Tony)

This here is Kayla and her mother, Lea. (Tony)

Well, hello you two. I’m so glad to finally meet you. (Larissa)

The pleasure is all mine, ma’am. You have a beautiful home. (Lea)

Thank you. (Larissa)

My, what an adorable little angel you are! Would you like a gingerbread cookie? (Larissa)

Larissa helps Kayla choose a cookie from the table while Tony chats with Lea.

Do you have plans for Christmas? (Tony)

We’re not going anywhere if that’s what you mean. Why, what’s up? (Lea)

I was hoping it’d be alright for me to bring Kayla’s presents by. Brandy and I went a little overboard with the shopping, so there were way too many gifts to bring them all tonight. (Tony)

Of course, that would be fine. (Lea, smiling)

In the living room, Kayla plays with her cousins. Lea, feeling like a fifth wheel, decides to get some air on the patio.

I brought you one of my mom’s gingerbread cookies. (Tony)

Kayla is a beautiful little girl. (Brandy)

Yeah, and she’s smart, too. (Tony)

Sooo, her mom is like what, 20? (Brandy)

She’s 23. (Tony)

Geez, Tony. (Brandy, rolling her eyes)

Amber joins Lea on the patio.

You okay out here? (Amber)

Yeah, just getting some air. (Lea)

Tony told me you moved here from California. Are you settling in okay? (Amber)

I am, thanks for asking. I’ve found a nice apartment and I’ve got a part-time job giving riding lessons at the McGraws' horse ranch. (Lea)

How long have you been riding? (Amber)

Since I was a little girl. My father owned horses, and I was around them constantly until he and my mom divorced. (Lea)

I’ve always wanted to ride a horse, and I bet my girls would love something like that. (Amber)

I could give you all lessons. (Lea)

I’d love that! Let me get your number, and we’ll talk more about it. (Amber)

Macee and Makenna are on holiday until January 11th. We should get the girls together and do something before they have to go back to school. (Amber)

Kayla and I would really like that. (Lea)

When Amber returns, Matt eyes her suspiciously.

What are you up to now? (Matt)

Why do I have to be up to something? I’m just welcoming Lea into the family. I feel like I should get to know her better. (Amber)

And by “get to know her” you mean get inside her head and find out what her intentions are? (Matt)

That’s not a crime as far as I know. (Amber)

Maybe not, but I get the feeling that her intentions are sincere. (Matt)

I’ll be the judge of that. (Amber)

Thanks for reading!